5 Possible Treatment Options For Men Who Have Low Sperm Count

People trying to be parents across the globe can be overwhelmed with a number of emotions when attempting to conceive, yet are constantly met with disappointing results in form of negative pregnancy tests. This can lead to intense feelings such as heartache, irritation and even embarrassment.

It is important for those dealing with infertility to be aware that they are not the only ones facing such issues – even though many people do not like talking about their struggles. Millions of people have faced the same circumstances.

Thankfully, there are a wealth of fertility treatments available that can make conception possible. These solutions tackle issues such as reduced sperm count & motility, commonly associated with male infertility

Let’s begin with the basics and take a look at what low sperm count is.

Low sperm count, medically known as oligospermia, refers to a condition where the amount of sperm present in the semen during ejaculation is lower than what is considered normal. In other words, the fluid released during orgasm contains a reduced number of sperm cells. This condition can affect male fertility and make it more challenging to achieve pregnancy. Oligospermia is diagnosed by analyzing a semen sample to count the number of sperm present per millilitre of semen.

The main sign of low sperm count, or oligospermia, is the inability to conceive a child. Other obvious signs or symptoms may be absent, but underlying issues such as inherited chromosomal abnormalities, hormonal imbalances, dilated testicular veins (varicoceles), or conditions that obstruct sperm passage can cause additional manifestations. These can include problems with sexual function like low sex drive or erectile dysfunction, as well as pain, swelling, or lumps in the testicle area.

In some cases, low sperm count may be accompanied by decreased facial or body hair or other indications of chromosome or hormone abnormalities.

What Causes Low Sperm Count?

Oligospermia can be caused by various factors that affect sperm production, maturation, or ejaculation. Here are some common causes:

1. Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions can influence the production or functionality of sperm. Such issues may be related to hormone imbalances (e.g., low testosterone levels), infections (like orchitis or prostatitis), enlargement of veins within the scrotum (varicoceles), testicular cancer, or genetic abnormalities.
2. Lifestyle factors: Certain lifestyle choices can negatively impact sperm count. These include excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, illicit drug use (such as marijuana or cocaine), exposure to environmental toxins (such as pesticides or chemicals), frequent exposure to heat (saunas or hot tubs), and wearing tight underwear or pants that elevate scrotal temperature.
3. Medications and treatments: Certain medications, including antibiotics, antifungals, testosterone replacement therapy, and chemotherapy drugs, can have a negative impact on sperm production. Moreover, radiation therapy and surgical procedures performed in the pelvic area can also disturb sperm production.
4. Age: As men get older, their biological fertility is often compromised due to the diminishing number and quality of sperm produced. Advanced age can contribute to this decline in sperm production, resulting in reduced fertility potential as the DNA integrity is impaired.
5. Emotional and psychological factors: Stress and psychological issues can disturb the hormonal balance, leading to lowered sperm production. Furthermore, depression and extreme tension can bring down a man’s sperm count negatively.

Treatment Options For Men Who Have Low Sperm Count

When a male has a low sperm count, the chances of successful conception are significantly reduced because there are fewer sperm available to reach and fertilize the mature egg. In such cases, specific treatments are available depending on the cause of infertility. Here are some treatment options:

1. IVF with ICSI: In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a common fertility treatment where mature eggs are collected from the female partner (or egg donor), fertilized in a lab, and then transferred into the woman’s uterus. IVF with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is often recommended for men with low sperm counts. With ICSI, a single healthy sperm is selected and directly injected into each egg, increasing the chances of fertilization.
2. Hormonal treatment: If the male has low levels of pituitary hormones that stimulate sperm production, hormonal treatment may be attempted. This involves using injectable hormones, such as Pergonal or Humagon, to increase sperm count and improve the chances of natural conception.
3. Antibiotic treatment: In rare cases, low sperm count can be caused by infections that interfere with sperm production or sperm health. Antibiotic treatment may be prescribed to eliminate the infection and improve sperm production. However, if permanent damage has occurred, other treatment options may be considered.
4. Surgery: Surgery is rarely used to treat low sperm count. However, if there is a blockage in the sperm transport pathway, surgical intervention may be an option. By repairing the blockage, the sperm can be successfully transported for conception.
5. Artificial donor sperm insemination: In cases where the testicles are unable to produce sperm and other treatments have not been successful, sperm donation is an alternative. Sperm banks store frozen sperm from donors, and couples can select a suitable donor based on profiles provided. The donated sperm is thoroughly screened for infectious diseases before being used for insemination.

Conclusion

It’s a good idea to seek medical advice or go for IVF treatment it’s important for you to choose an IVF center that is reputed where the doctor can help evaluate your condition. Low sperm count, or oligospermia, can present challenges for couples trying to conceive. However, it’s important to remember that there are various treatment options available to address this issue. From assisted reproductive technologies like IVF with ICSI to hormonal treatments, antibiotic therapy, surgical interventions, and artificial donor sperm insemination, these approaches aim to increase the chances of successful fertilization as well as pregnancy. It’s crucial for individuals facing low sperm count to consult with healthcare professionals or fertility specialists who can provide personalized guidance and recommend the most suitable treatment option based on the underlying cause.

Remember, infertility struggles are not uncommon, and seeking appropriate medical support can offer hope and potential solutions on the path to parenthood.